Chapins, Morris (review)

A week or so ago we went to dinner with some friends and ended up at Chapins in Morris. What a little gem of a place--everything was almost perfect. First the rest. itself---it's evident as soon as you walk in that here is a place where even the small details have been thought out, from the decor to the table settings to the wait staff. Our food was wonderful, very well done salads and homemade dressings,warm bread, and every dinner comes with either pasta or potatoe as well as a fresh vegie. The seafood mixed grill, which our friends had, got rave reviews with plenty of tempura shrimp, grilled salmon and halibut. My small portion (yes, they have several entrees that are available in large or small portion) was veal marsala and it was prepared perfectly and my husbands ribs were meaty and flavorful.We all shared desert which is made in house and also very good. They have a nice wine list as well. As we were lingering over coffee, the owners came by to check on our meals and made us feel very welcome. They spent several minutes telling us how they came from the downtown Chicago rest. scene to opening this gem of a place in downtown Morris.Can't wait to go back. There are so many good looking choices on their very large menu.Chapin's701 N. LiberyMorris, Il. 60450815-942-1880 lunch and dinnerwww.chapinsrestaurant.us

Crab cakes are so often disappointing -- mushy or gummy, full of starchy filler. But these easy cakes are full of beautiful lump crabmeat, and a light panko coating ensures they fry up crispy and golden brown. Bright, lemony aioli makes a piquant counterpart to the sweet, sweet crab. Read more.